Arlene
I barely had time to zip up my dress when Olivia walked into my room, her usual cheerful energy radiating like the sun.
Behind her was Matilda, carefully balancing a dish covered in foil. My stomach twisted at the sight of them—not from excitement, but from something far less pleasant.
"Good morning, Miss Gomez," Matilda greeted, her lips stretched into a faint smile as she entered.
Olivia, ever bubbly, must have been here early to measure me for my dress for the welcome party. No doubt Matilda had called her.
"Good morning, Arlene!" Olivia chirped. "Matilda brought grilled fish for you. We know how busy you've been, so we thought—"
Before she could finish, the pungent smell of the fish hit me. My throat constricted, bile rising instantly. I clamped a hand over my mouth and bo
